I think I lost an electron. Are you sure? Yes, I'm positive! Starting with a hands-on demonstration and problem solving activity, young scientists define vocabulary related to circuitry and currents. Then they build their own circuits focusing on the differences between series circuits and parallel circuits.

Concepts

light bulbs, energy, parallel circuits, series circuits

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Create circuits incorrectly and allow your class to identify the problem and fix them (i.e. a loose connection)
• Have snap circuits, or another circuitry set, and challenge pupils to make something with sound instead of light

Classroom Considerations

• Carefully select the volunteers so that no one will get injured in the demonstration

Pros

• Easy-to-see results during the experiment
• Highly engaging demonstration

Cons

• Answer key is not included

Common Core

SL.6.4 SL.6.6 SL.7.4 SL.7.6 SL.8.6 SL.9-10.6 SL.11-12.6 L.6.1.a L.7.1.a L.8.1.a L.9-10.1.a RST.6-8.3 RST.9-10.3 RST.11-12.3 WHST.6-8.2.a